Obesity is now the most common nutritional disorder that arises from the accumulation of excess fat in the body from over consumption of fatty food. Anti-obesity drugs like Diet Pills, Phentermine, Adipex and Meridia have been reported to have a high rate of side effects in clinical trials disappointing millions of dieters. The drug marketed as Acomplia has been hailed by some doctors on the basis of interim study as potential breakthrough in treating obesity.

How it Works
The drug works by blocking endogenous cannabinoid binding to CBI receptors in the brain. Activation of these receptors increases appetite. Acomplia is the only endocannabiboid receptor antagonist in clinical development and thus offers a unique therapeutic approach to appetite control and weight reduction .The drug aims at blocking the "pleasure centre" of the brain and interfering with the cycle of craving and satisfaction that drives many types of compulsive behaviours and addictions. The same circuitry is activated when people smoke pot. Accomplia has been developed from the knowledge that smokers often experience extreme hunger pangs which are referred to as "the munchies".

Efficacy
Some potential anti-obesity drugs have proved effective in the first six months of treatment only to become ineffective as the patient develops resistance to treatment. Data from RIO trials show that Acomplia is effective for maintaining weight loss for a period of at least two years. Patients taking Acomplia lost inches around their waistline which is significant as expanding waistlines are associated with increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. The average waist reduction was 3 inches for patients taking 20mg and 1.3 inches for those on a lower dose. The drug also has the potential as a treatment for smoking cessation because the endocannabiboid system is also involved in the body's response to tobacco dependence. After the first year of treatment 39% of patients taking a high dose lost 10% of their weight.

Side Effects
Acomplia is said to be well tolerated in early tests. The only relatively common side effects were mild GI side effects and dizziness and these were said to be transient. Rates of anxiety and depression were no greater for those on Acomplia than those getting fake pills.
Patients need to talk to their doctors about any product they are using for weight loss. The medications are invented to help people on a biological basis. Not every person has an uncontrollable appetite or insatiable cravings. Some put on pounds because they eat too much. Many a times, a healthy diet and regular exercise can work better than weight loss drugs.